Son Heung-min once again played at the top, but the silence continued. The anticipated change did not translate into results, and LAFC's attacking power also showed its limits.
LAFC drew 0-0 with Austin FC in the fifth round of the 2026 MLS Western Conference at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on the 22nd. For the first time since the season opener they failed to score, halting their momentum.
The most noticeable change that day was Son Heung-min's role. Contrary to the recent pattern of him orchestrating play from the second line, coach Mark Dos Santos positioned Son Heung-min as the center forward. The intention was to have him serve as the finisher again in a position closer to goal.
However, the goal did not come as expected. Son Heung-min kept moving constantly and probed spaces, but in decisive moments he repeatedly left fans disappointed. He tried shots from the early minutes of the first half but was blocked by defenders, and even when penetrating the box he could not complete the finish. Both his precision and timing were different from before.
The most regrettable moment came late in the match. In the 41st minute of the second half, after intercepting the ball in midfield, Son Heung-min immediately launched a solo run. He pushed forward quickly with two defenders in front of him and created an opportunity, but he ultimately failed to shake them off completely. He entered the penalty area, but the shooting angle did not open and the chance vanished futilely.
It was a moment that would have had a different outcome in the past. Compared with Son Heung-min's prime, when he could wholly dismantle defenses with speed and explosiveness and follow through with finishes, the difference was clear.
The statistics were also cold. Son Heung-min recorded 24 touches and four shots, but had not a single shot on target. He failed to show presence in the most important metrics for a forward.
With this, Son Heung-min remained goalless in eight consecutive official matches. Since the early-season penalty kick goal, no field goals have come and the silence has lengthened. He has continued to contribute assists, but his finishing as a center forward still appears unrecovered.
The problem is not limited to one player. Attack partner Carlos Vela also showed a decline in scoring touch, and the entire team's offense fell into simultaneous stagnation. Attacking development became monotonous, and the lack of tactical variety grew increasingly apparent.
Ultimately attention turns to tactics. With Son Heung-min's position and role constantly changing, critics say coach Dos Santos has not found the optimal way to utilize him.
Son Heung-min will now join the national team schedule. With an international break ahead, he faces the task of raising his condition and sharpness once more. Whether he can break the silence in matches against Côte d'Ivoire and Austria has emerged as an important challenge.
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